We all have financial responsibilities…but what do you do for your heart?

This week’s episode is a meeting of the mentors with Valerie Khoo, CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre, sitting down to unpack creativity with our very own Pamela Cook.

Through her work at the AWC, Val has had a hand in shaping the careers of some of Australia’s bestselling authors and writers—showing people you can make a living with your words and how to get started doing it.

In recent years, Val’s own creativity has bloomed (pardon the pun ) when she began exploring painting during COVID. She now has a thriving artistic practise, allowing her to create joyful, beautiful pieces. Believing it’s okay to be multi-passionate, Val’s chat with Pam will be inspiring to those of us who have trouble ‘staying in their lane’.

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Writes4Women

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Valerie Khoo

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Val's Creative Re-Boot: click here

Pamela Cook

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This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Guest host Michelle Barraclough chats to best-selling author Jessica Dettman about her latest book, 'Your Friend and Mine'. Jess's fourth novel, it's a warm, witty and wise novel about second chances, friendship and romance for readers of Marian Keyes and Liane Moriarty.

Michelle and Jess discuss Jessica's inspirations, her writing process, and the intriguing narrative which involves a 43-year-old woman, Margot, fulfilling posthumous tasks assigned by her deceased best friend, Tess. They also cover the role of research, the challenges of crafting a compelling ending, and the influence of editors in refining the manuscript 

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Writes4Women

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Jessica Dettman

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Michelle Barraclough

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Pamela Cook

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This episode produced by Michelle Barraclough and Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bold debut, a full-circle moment, and the craft of writing funny with heart

This week on Writes4Women, Pam is joined by debut author and former student, Holly Brunnbauer, for a warm, laugh-filled, and insightful conversation about writing her first rom-com What Did I Miss. From school staff rooms and awkward first drafts to awards, agents, and publishing deals, Holly’s journey is one of grit, grace, and great humour.

Pam and Holly delve into:

The path from blogger to published author

Navigating character arc, emotional depth, and laugh-out-loud moments

Writing strong female leads (and sizzly sex scenes )

How a high school sweetheart breakup sparked a brilliant story idea

The ups and downs of pitching, publishing, and finding the right agent

This ep is not just for rom-com lovers—it’s for any writer wondering whether their words are “good enough” and what can happen when you follow the joy.

SHOW NOTES:

Writes4Women

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Holly Brunnbauer

https://www.hollybrunnbauer.com.au/

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Pamela Cook

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Buy We Need Your Art by Amie McNee here

Listen to Amie on Dear Rach and Soph here

This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imposter Syndrome. Comparisonitis. Self Doubt. Whatever we call it the fact is all writers and creatives suffer from it.

In this episode host Pamela Cook delves into her personal struggles with imposter syndrome and discusses insights from previous podcast guests, including Eliza Henry Jones, Nikki Gammel, Sophie Green, Cassie Hamer, Natasha Lester, Holly Ringland, and Megan Della Camina, on managing self-doubt and fostering creativity.

Join Pam as she digs deep into her own battle with imposter syndrome and finds answers in the wisdom of her fellow writers.

00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements

00:44 Technical Difficulties and Personal Updates

03:43 Substack Updates and New Initiatives

07:10 Exploring Imposter Syndrome

11:13 Insights from Eliza Henry Jones

13:42 Nikki Gammel on Male Confidence

17:16 Sophie Green's Perspective

21:08 Cassie Hamer's Inner Critic

24:28 Natasha Lester on Editorial Feedback

28:04 Holly Ringland on the Blank Page

34:35 Megan Della Camina's Inner Critic Work

37:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

SHOW NOTES:

Writes4Women

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Pamela Cook

www.pamelacook.com.au

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Buy We Need Your Art by Amie McNee here

Listen to Amie on Dear Rach and Soph here

This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a best selling Fantasy author does a sneaky genre swap?

Guest host Jo Riccioni welcomes bestselling author Lynette Noni to discuss her genre shift and new book, 'Wandering Wild.' They explore the departure from Noni's typical fantasy genre to YA contemporary, featuring a Hollywood actor and an Australian teen navigating a survival adventure. Lynnette reveals her inspirations, creative process, the challenges of addressing serious themes, and the joys of crafting new tropes. 

To hear the bonus chat on Lynnette's writing process sign up at Writes4Women on Substack at Writes4Women.substack.com

SHOW NOTES:

Writes4Women

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Tracey Spicer

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Sandie Docker

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Buy The Lyrebird Lake Ladies Choir here

Pamela Cook

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This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you only listen to one episode of W4W this year, THIS is the one you need to make time for. Pam talks AI, its implications and the future of writing with two women on the frontlines of championing artistic rights, journalist @traceyspicer and writer @sandiedocker.

We promise, you’ll leave this episode informed, aware, determined and hopeful about the future of your work. These are scary times, but this community is full of courageous women. 

SHOW NOTES:

Writes4Women

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W4W Substack

https://writes4women.substack.com/

Tracey Spicer

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Sandie Docker

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Check our Sandie's info on AI here: https://www.sandiedocker.com/ai-action

Pamela Cook

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This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Writes for Women, guest host Mary-Lou Stephens sits down with historical fiction author Emily Maguire to discuss her latest novel, 'Rapture', set in the ninth century.

They delve into Maguire's transition from contemporary fiction, the extensive research involved, and the challenges of writing historical content while maintaining authenticity. Maguire also shares insights about her personal connection with faith and nature, the writing process, and the collaborative role of her editors.

For paid Substack subscribers, additional content includes Maguire's experiences with literary awards and mentoring emerging writers.

SHOW NOTES:

Writes4Women

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Emily Maguire

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Mary Lou Stephens

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Pamela Cook

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This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Join Pamela Cook on Writes for Women as she chats with Lauren Keegan about her debut novel 'All the Bees in the Hollow.'  Learn how Lauren's background in perinatal psychology shapes her storytelling and character development. Discover the intriguing folklore of Lithuanian beekeeping and the challenges of writing historical fiction. 

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating the Journey of Indie Publishing with Sal Gallagher and Kirsten Nixon.

In this episode of Rights for Women, host Pamela Cook delves into the world of indie publishing with guests Sal Gallaher and Kirsten Nixon. Sal discusses her novel 'Secrets in the Lakes', her journey through editing, and the challenges of self-publishing. Kirsten shares her experience writing 'Voices of Entrepreneurial Women', detailing her approach to interviews and the decision to go the self-publishing route. 

If you've ever thought about self publishing your book, or wondered what the process is like you'll love this chat with these two amazing women.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 WRITING LOVE, LOSS & VENICE 

What happens when a bestselling author walks away from publishing—only to return with her biggest book yet? This week on Writes4Women, Pamela chats with Tess Woods about her five-year break from writing, rediscovering her passion, and the inspiration behind The Venice Hotel.

Tess shares the highs and lows of her journey, the real-life Venice stories woven into her novel, and—yes—how George Clooney and a “hot priest” made their way into the book!

For our Substack subscribers, there’s an exclusive bonus chat on writing multiple POVs, navigating tough editorial feedback, and balancing a writing career with real life.

 New episode out now—link in bio!

SHOW NOTES:

Writes4Women

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Tess Woods

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Lightbulb Moments with Tess Woods: click here

Pamela Cook

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This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.